Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, is an enclave of adventure. If you’re looking to get off the beaten track, try one of these unique experiences.
1. Discover Fiji’s Adventure Capital
If you thought Fiji was all beach loungers and beautiful islands, wake up and smell the adrenaline. Adventure is as accessible as a golden sliver of sand, you just need to where to look for it – and that would be Pacific Harbour. Located on the very south of Vitu Levu, Pacific Harbour is where you’ll find jungle adventures, mud buggies, kayaking, secret rivers, whitewater rafting and swimming at an aptly named Magic Waterfall. You can even zipline over gullies and thick forest, culminating in one of the South Pacific’s largest caves. It’s not surprising then, that Pacific Harbour is commonly referred to as Fiji’s Adventure Capital.
2. Navigate Navua River
Tearing yourself away from the beach might seem like a crazy idea, but heading inland on the mainland of Viti Levu presents an equally dazzling landscape. Swap golden sands for deep gorges and sweeping ocean for tropical rainforest. There are multiple ways to forge a route down Navua River but the most exciting options include white water rafting, kayaking and gliding upstream in a longboat. You can head into lush forest and visit villages in the Namosi Highlands, or ride the river rapids in an inflatable donut. For something really unique, take a leisurely ride on a Bilibili, a traditional bamboo raft.
3. Volunteer
As if you needed any more reason to book a holiday at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast. Aside from its dreamy setting and retina-dazzling sunsets, guests can also volunteer at the local village. The Outrigger supports Community Tourism projects in building new school halls, classrooms and nurseries. Guests simply pay a small fee to join local engineers and help build village necessities. Volunteers really get their hands dirty but also have the opportunity to meet residents, chat with local school kids and share a bowl of Kava after a hard day’s work.
4. Hike into the jungle
For those with a real sense of adventure, how about a five-day hike into the heart of Fiji’s mainland. Switch jandals for walking boots to tackle the cross-country tramp through rural Fiji with Talanoa Treks. Join local guides and scale the highest point in Fiji; swim in the thunderous Nabalesere Waterfall and join local villagers afterwards for a cup of lemon-leaf tea. Bathe in crystal clear rivers and try traditional Fijian foods, including the juiciest fresh fruit plucked straight from the tree. You’ll see a side of Fiji not usually experienced by tourists.
5. Experience Fijian culture
The Sigatoka River is the longest river in Fiji and was used right up until the 1950s as a major transportation route. Slicing a path through verdant forest, villages flank the riverbank and maintain traditions practiced by their ancestors. A Jet boat Safari Adventure escorts guests on a scenic 17km cruise deep into this interior, gliding past Fijian villages and children waving enthusiastically. You’ll hop off to join a local Kava ceremony, meet the residents and enjoy an authentic Fijian lunch, before your return journey, complete with thrilling 360-degree spins and a good drenching.